Effect of Yogasanas Versus Gaze Stability and Habituation Exercises on Dizziness in Vestibular Dysfunction

Abstract

Background: Dizziness is a typical manifestation of vestibular pathologies. Clinical studies have shown that it affects 1.82% of young adults to more than 30% older adults. Habituation and compensation are some traditional rehabilitation protocols. Objective: Yoga is also known to have a significant effect on vestibulopathy. Hence, a need arises to compare the above two maneuvers. Materials and Methods: Participants were recruited (n = 32) after screening using the Dix–Hallpike and head impulse test. They were then divided into two groups (n = 16). The first one, Group A, received yogasanas, and the second one, Group B, received gaze stabilization and habituation exercises for 4 days a week for 3 weeks. Pre- and post intervention outcome measures were taken using the Motion Sensitivity Quotient (MSQ) score and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scale. Results: In reducing symptoms of dizziness, the between-group comparison shows that Group A has shown greater improvement (12.37% ±1.43%) in MSQ and Group B has shown greater improvement (16.12 ± 3.56) in DHI. Within-group comparison shows that both the interventions are effective in reducing symptoms of dizziness (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Both yogasanas and gaze stabilization along with habituation exercises are effective in improving the symptoms in patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction. When compared between the groups, yogasanas had a superior hand in the MSQ score, whereas gaze stabilization and habituation exercises had a superior hand in the DHI scale.